Method and system for short message service exchange and teleconferencing

ABSTRACT

In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional application of provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/322,669 filed Sep. 17, 2001, and is acontinuation of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/027,572 filedDec. 20, 2001

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to wireless networks and, moreparticularly, to a methodology and a concomitant system whereby a shortmessage service exchange effects value-added functionality, includingteleconferencing, based on the contents of a short message.

2. Description of the Background Art

A Short Message Service (SMS) enables a mobile subscriber in a mobilewireless network to send and receive short alphanumeric messages throughhis/her mobile station. The mobile station in the modern wirelessnetworks can be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), alaptop or any portable device capable of communicating with the wirelessnetwork equipment and having an alphanumeric display. With the advent ofintegration of some of the functionalities of wireless communicationservices with the Internet, it is also possible to send and receiveshort messages from a fixed communication station such as anInternet-connected computer.

A high-level block representation of a conventional SMS communicationsystem 100 is shown in FIG. 1. A short message (SM) can originate from awireless device such as a cell phone 120, a computer 105 connected tothe Internet 110, or any similar device. A SM originating from awireless device 120 is received by a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 115via the wireless medium 121 and other entities such as a base stationnot shown in the figure for simplicity. The MSC then sends the SM to theapplicable SMSC (Short Message Service Center) 135 through the networkcloud 130 comprising PSTN, wireless cellular, and other specificnetworks such as the well-known signaling system 7 (SS7) or evenproprietary networks. SMSC 135 then determines the destination of the SM(in this example, mobile station 145), and routes it to the appropriateMSC 140, which then delivers the SM to the destination device 145. Whiletwo distinct MSCs are shown in FIG. 1 for generality, in cases where thedestination device is in the same area as the SM originating device, theSM is handled by a single MSC. Similarly, it is also clear that computer105 connected to the Internet 110 can transmit the SM to SMSC 135 forhandling as outlined above for delivery to mobile station 145. Moreover,the above description of a conventional SMS system is highly simplifiedto bring out the underlying processes. However, even in the simplifiedform, it is readily appreciated that in current SMS systems the SM isjust delivered to the destination device in the same form it is sentfrom the originating device. But, with further reflection, it is soonrealized that there exists a great potential for using SMs in a SMSsystem to initiate different operations based on the contents of theSMs. Also, an SM can be preprocessed and valuable information may beadded before delivery to the final recipient. These features are notutilized in the state-of-the-art SMS systems. Furthermore, SMs can beused to initiate specific operations at the destination. Keeping this inview, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an SMSexchange that performs value-addition functions based on the contents ofSMs.

Another aspect of the subject matter of the present invention relates toinitiating a teleconference from a cell-phone through the SMS exchangeutilizing the value-added functionality of SMs. Teleconferencing amongthree or more individuals with cellular phones is a very usefulcommunication service in the today's environment. People on the move aregreatly helped by such a service in making decisions and planning futureactivities. However, in the current state-of-the-art, a personinitiating a teleconference or, e.g., that person's secretary, isrequired to call each of the participants and conduct theteleconference. There is now a need for an automated system that canmanage a teleconference without the intervention of the personinitiating the teleconference. Also, other automated functions such asreminding a user about some event or providing the user with someinformation at a time pre-selected by the user are possible with such atelecommunication service. A major benefit of such a system is that auser can coordinate activities such as teleconferencing, tele-remindingor timed tele-messaging even when the user is on the move withoutphysical access to a computer with connection to the Internet.

Discussed below are representative references that provide a backdropfor the subject matter of the present invention. The SMS exchange withvalue-addition features and the SMS-based teleconferencing system inaccordance with the present invention are not taught or suggested bythis art.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20010003094 by Foll describes a method andmobile communications system for controlling a short message service. Inthis invention, on the basis of the fact that short messages are sent bya communication terminal of a mobile subscriber into a mobile radionetwork and are routed to a switching facility responsible for themobile subscriber, a short message together with an address thatidentifies a service facility responsible for dealing with the shortmessage service for a mobile subscriber is received by the switchingfacility. The short messages are routed for temporary storage in theservice facility and for transmission to a communication terminal ofanother subscriber if the received address is contained in an addresstable of the switching facility.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20010011020 by Nahm pertains to a method fortransferring and reflecting message by using short message service in aportable digital phone. In this invention, a method for operating an SMSin a portable digital phone, more particularly a method for transferringand responding to a message using an SMS in a portable digital phone, isdescribed. The method according to the invention includes the steps ofdrafting a message with a plurality of optional messages by a sendingparty, transferring the optional messages as an SMS message during atransferring mode, and receiving and responding to the sender's messageby selectively responding to the optional messages.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,212 issued to Ross et al. describes a short messageservice center. The short message service center allows processingcharacteristics to be modified for service users within a given type sothat the storage and delivery of short messages to one service user of agiven type may be different for another service user within the samegiven type. The short message service center alleviates some of thepotential “jams” associated with the processing of large distributionlists and closed user groups. The short message service center furtherallows for distributed administration. Additionally, the short messageservice center receives a short message in one standard format anddelivers the short message in another standard format. The short messageservice center utilizes both a table routing method and a global titletranslation method for routing messages to a recipient. It allows acomplete transmission of short messages between service entities havingdiffering short message length definitions and has capability fordynamic system re-configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,726 issued to Donovan et al. describes a systemusing portion of a short message payload to identify short messageservice types and delivering the message if user subscribes to theservices. A system and method for providing enhanced short-messageservice options in PCS systems is described. The generic short-messageservice is split into unbundled short-message service applications(e.g., emergency messaging, voice mail alert, etc.). Each of theseunbundled short message services is recognized at short-message systems,home location registers, and subscriber terminals.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,357 issued to Salin pertains short messageprocessing in a mobile exchange. In this invention, a method isdescribed for processing a short message received at a mobile exchangein a cellular radio network, for delivering one short message at a timeto a B subscriber. An operation controller is used for observing theoperation of the B subscriber so as to detect the delivery of the shortmessage and to prevent the delivery of another short message when thedelivery of the preceding short message is in progress. A memory is usedfor storing rejected short messages and a queue control is adoptedresponsive to the B-subscriber operation controller for reading therejected short message from the memory so as to initiate the delivery ofthe short message to the B subscriber when the delivery of the precedingshort message is completed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,103 issued to Foti describes a method of providingservice information from a subscriber service profile to subscribers ina cellular telecommunications network using the short message service.The network includes a mobile station having a visual display, a mobileswitching center, and a home location register for storing thesubscriber service profile. A request for the service profileinformation is transmitted from the mobile station to the mobileswitching center and the home location register. The mobile switchingcenter retrieves the service profile information from the home locationregister. The service profile information is appended to an SMS messagethat is transmitted from the mobile switching center to the mobilestation. The service profile information is then provided in a voicemessage or displayed on the visual display of the mobile station. Thus,this invention provides only basic additional processing of an SMSmessage before delivery to the final recipient.

While the above representative art deals with various aspects of SMSmessage systems, the art is devoid of a separate SMS exchange withvalue-addition capability in accordance with the present invention.Moreover, the art is devoid of value addition service involvinginitiation of a teleconferencing system by using SMS messages such asdescribed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These shortcomings and other limitations and deficiencies are obviatedin accordance with the present invention by a method, and concomitantcircuitry, to implement short message value-added services.

In accordance with one broad method aspect of the present invention, amethod for processing a short message service (SMS) message includes:(a) embedding a value-added field in the SMS message by the originatorof the SMS message, the field being indicative of a value-added servicerequested by the originator, and (b) implementing the value-addedservice based upon the SMS message.

In accordance with yet another broad method aspect of the presentinvention, a method for establishing a teleconference via a shortmessage service (SMS) message includes: (a) embedding a teleconferencedirective in the SMS message by the initiator of the teleconference, and(b) implementing the value-added service based upon the teleconferencedirective.

Broad system aspects of the present invention are commensurate with theaforementioned broad method aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a wireless system used todescribe a conventional short message service involving mobile devicessuch as a cell-phone;

FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of a short message service systemwherein a short message service exchange in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in overlay fashion on the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram depicting the components of theshort message service exchange of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting the processing to deliver a shortmessage for implementing value-added functionality;

FIG. 5 depicts the layout of a data packet for an exemplary shortmessage wherein keywords are replaced by actual data for a givenoriginator/member;

FIG. 6A depicts the raw text of the data packet of FIG. 5 in top-downfashion;

FIG. 6B depicts the conversion of the raw text of FIG. 6A into theExtensible Markup Language (XML) format wherein data items are tagged bycustomized XML tags;

FIG. 6C depicts another example of the raw text of a data packet whichcontains data to invoke a teleconference;

FIG. 6D depicts the conversion of the raw text of FIG. 6C into XMLformat;

FIG. 7 depicts components of the SMS data storage device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 depicts exemplary records in the member database of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts exemplary records in the SM delivery database of FIG. 7

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an SMS-basedteleconference system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts in high-level block diagram form the teleconferenceserver of FIG. 10, including a processor and memory;

FIG. 12 illustrates the layout of the member database of the memory inFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates the layout of the session database of the memory inFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates the composition of the proceedings database of thememory shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram for the process of establishing and takingdown of a teleconference; and

FIG. 16 illustrates the Web page format for requesting a teleconference.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A high-level circuit block diagram of SMS system 200 for an embodimentin accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 wherein anSMS exchange performs value-addition to SMs in addition to normalrouting and sending of SMs; FIG. 2 is a modified depiction of FIG. 1wherein SMS exchange 205 is shown in overlay fashion on the componentsof FIG. 1. In system 200, all SMs pass through the SMS exchange 205before reaching their respective destinations. The different componentsof the SMS exchange 205 are shown in FIG. 3 (to be discussed shortly inconjunction with FIG. 4). Each of these components may be implemented onone or more separate computers or may be integrated on a single computerdepending on the desired SMS rate handling capacity. A flowchart showingthe steps in delivering an SM is shown in FIG. 4, and includes thefollowing processes:

Process 405: An SM is originated, for example, in SMS system 200 bycomputer 105 or wireless device 120. If the SM is sent from a computer105, it is sent to the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the SMSexchange 205 via link 207. In case the SM is sent from a wireless devicesuch as cell-phone 120, it is directed to the phone number thatcorresponds to the SMS exchange 205 via phone line 206. An exemplarymessage sent from computer 105 to the Internet e-mail addressSMdest@isp.com may be of the form “send quote to <myemail> and call meon <myphone>”. The value-added service corresponding to this message isthe replacement of the alias names between the delimiters ‘<’ and ‘>’,namely, ‘myemail’ and ‘myphone’, with the actual e-mail address andphone number of the originator.

Process 410: In the case of the SM originating from an Internetconnected device 105, the SM directly arrives at the SMS exchange viathe Internet 110 over link 207. But, an SM originating from a wirelessdevice 120 first arrives at an SMSC 135 via an MSC 115. The SMSC 135forwards the SM to an SMS exchange 205. An SM thus arrives at the SMSexchange 205 via a communication network such as the Internet 110, or anetwork ‘cloud’ 130 comprising PSTN, wireless cellular networks or othernetworks. In either case, the SM arriving at the SMS exchange isencapsulated within a data packet.

A data packet corresponding to the aforementioned exemplary message isshown in FIG. 5. As is typical, the IP layer packet 500 has headerinformation such as IP source (505), IP destination (510), member field(515), and so forth, as well as a data payload field (520). The utilityof the member field will be discussed below.

Process 415: In the SMS exchange 205, the SMS gateway 300 of FIG. 3extracts the contents of the SM from the different formats in which theyarrive. For instance, an SM received via the Internet will usually be inthe form of IP (Internet Protocol) packets. The extracted SM is thensent to an SMS format converter 305. The raw SM is generally inalphanumeric text form along with other information pertaining to thesource and destination. The SMS format converter 305 transforms thecontents of the SM into a format suitable for efficient processing bythe SMS processor 310. An example of such a format in the current stateof the art is the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. With XML,customized tags and other overlay data are added to the raw SM contentsto enable value addition functions to be performed efficiently.

As one example, a simplified format of IP packet 600 including an SMSmessage as data portion 605 is shown in FIG. 6A, which depicts thecontents of FIG. 5 in a top-down manner. The raw ASCII text in the IPpacket is converted into an XML format as shown in FIG. 6B. As seenhere, data items are tagged by customized XML tags such as <KEYWORD> and</KEYWORD>. The processing of the SM contents by the inclusion of suchtags becomes easier for other functional entities in the system.

As another example, a simplified format of IP packet 610 including anSMS message as data portion 615 is shown in FIG. 6C, which depicts apacket that may be used to set-up a teleconference (the details ofteleconferencing will be discussed in the sequel). The raw ASCII text inthe IP packet is converted into an XML format as shown in FIG. 6D. Asseen here, each data item is tagged by customized XML tags such as <DAY>and </DAY>.

The SM in XML format is then passed on to the SMS processor 310.

Process 420: SMS processor 310 stores the source, destination and otherrelevant information for each message in the SMS data storage 315. Basedon the destination information, SMS processor 310 adds routinginformation required for routing the SM as per a selected routingpolicy—such routing policies are conventional and as such are notencompassed by the present invention. For example, a least cost routingmay be used to send the SM to optimize the communication costs, whereasa least time to deliver policy sends the SM along fast routes tominimize the total delivery time for urgent messages. SMS processor 310accesses any information required for routing from the SMS Data Storage315. The SMS processor 310 then sends the SM to the Value-AdditionProcessor (VAP) 320.

Process 425: The VAP 320 performs value addition functions on the SMbased on the stored programs in its memory and the data in the SMS datastorage 315. For instance, a user may instruct through his SM that hiscontact email be sent to the recipient of the SM by just typing thekeyword ‘myemail’ in his SM, as exemplified by the data payload 520 inFIG. 5. Such keywords may be distinguished from regular text in themessage by enclosing them in delimiters such as the ASCII characters ‘<’and ‘>’. Alternatively, for ease of composing an SM while sending from acell-phone, a character such as ‘K’ may precede a key word. Thus, ‘Kmyemail’ would mean that ‘myemail’ is a keyword. Yet another alternativeis to define a set of keywords that cannot be used in the normal text ofan SM. The VAP then looks up that user's data, based upon the Member ID(515) in the SMS data storage 315 and inserts the user's full emailaddress in place of the keyword ‘myemail’. Similarly, a variety of valueaddition functions could be defined to perform value addition servicesbased on different product definitions and policies specified in the SMSexchange system.

It is noted that there may be different product definitions within agiven service type, and several policies could be defined for use undera given product definition. For example, under a service type called‘SMS initiated teleconferencing’ (expanded upon later), one product P1may be defined as teleconferencing with the maximum number of memberslimited to 5. Yet another product P2 may be restricted to members withcellular phones only. Further, under product P1, a policy may involvepermitting members to join a teleconference within certain duration fromthe start of the teleconference, and yet another policy may allowmembers to join a teleconference at any time. The choice of a productand a policy will appropriately determine the cost for the service.

After fully processing the SM, VAP 320 then returns the SM to SMSprocessor 310.

Process 430: SMS processor 310 then records the completion ofvalue-addition function and any identifiers required for costing and feecalculation for each SM or rating based on pre-defined SMS deliveryplans. The SM is then sent to the SMSC gateway 325.

Process 435: SMSC gateway 325 converts the SM in XML format into formatssuitable for sending them to standard state-of-the-art entities such anSMSC 135 or SMSC 136, as per well-known communication protocols. Forinstance, a common protocol used to communicate with a SMSC is the SMPP(Short Message Peer to Peer) protocol (see, for example,http://smsforum.net/doc/public/FAQ/GenFAQ.html). The SM is sent to SMSC136 which has been chosen by the SMS exchange based on serviceagreements in force and SM routing algorithms used in the system.

Process 440: From SMSC 136, the SM is then delivered to the finalrecipient 145 via MSC 140 following the standard routing process.

Process 445: After successful delivery of an SM, a delivery notificationmessage flows back to the SMS exchange 205 via MSC 140, SMSC 136, andSMSC gateway 325. The SMS processor 310 in the SMS exchange 205 thenupdates the database record for the SM with the delivery notificationdetails in SMS data storage 315.

Referring next to FIG. 7, a diagrammatic representation of an embodimentof SMS Data Storage 315 is shown. Data storage 315 is a memory thattypically includes one or more machine-readable media. Such mediainclude, as is well-known in the art, an appropriate combination ofmagnetic, semiconductor and optical media. Memory is preferably capableof supporting searching and storing of digital multimedia data such astext and audio. Memory (or portions thereof) may reside on singlecomputer, or may be distributed in a known manner among multiplecomputers.

In the present embodiment, data storage 315 includes member database700, SM delivery database 705, routing data 710, and other servicedependent data 715.

The rows and columns of the databases described herein represent recordsand fields thereof, respectively. In the described embodiments, thedatabases are used in a relational arrangement, as is well-known in theart, so that the databases relate to one another by way of fields thatstore common data. It is to be noted that while the followingdescription refers to specific individual databases, formats, records,and fields, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatvarious modifications and substitutions may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an embodiment of member database 700 isdepicted. Database 700 stores data relating to member accounts that aremaintained for account holders. Each record (row) of database 700represents such an account. For exemplary purposes, two records R1 andR2 are shown.

Field 810 stores a member identifier that is associated with and thatuniquely identifies a member account. In this embodiment, the memberidentifier is a four-digit member number. The number of digits in thisfiled can be fixed depending on the maximum expected number of membersin any SMS system. Other types of account identifiers with alphanumericcharacters may be used if required. Field 815 is used to store the nameof a member. In one embodiment, the name stored in field 815 is adigital audio file (or a pointer thereto) that contains a pre-recordedaudio sample of the account holder's name. The audio recording of membernames may be played back while interacting with users with telephone orother voice playback instruments. Field 820 stores the profileinformation of a member such as phone number and email address of themember. It is possible to store multiple possible phone numbers andemails here, and also other profile information not shown here. Whilesending SMs from devices other than a wireless phone a member isrequired to login using a password. Field 825 stores the member'spassword that is used to authenticate the use of the SMS system by themember.

Referring next to FIG. 9, an embodiment of SM Delivery database 705 isdepicted in detail. Database 705 stores data relating to SMs processedthrough the SMS exchange. One record (row) of database 705 is maintainedfor each SM. For exemplary purposes, three records R3.1, R3.2 and R4 areshown. Field 910 stores an SM identifier that uniquely identifies an SM.For exemplary purposes, the SM identifier is shown as including sixdigits. Field 915 stores the identifier of the member who has sent theSM. Field 920 is used to store SM origination information that can beeither a wireless phone number or the IP (Internet Protocol) address ofthe computer from which the SM has been sent. Similarly, field 925stores the destination information for an SM, which can be a wirelessphone number or an IP address. Field 930 stores the actual SMs in theform they were received. For simplicity in representation, only theASCII characters of some sample SMS messages or parts of messages areshown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, pointers to SMs stored elsewhere inmemory can be stored in field 930 (not exemplified). Field 935 stores avalue-addition service code that indicates the type of value-additionfunction performed on an SM. The value-addition service code is usefulfor determining the charge incurred by a user in sending an SM.Different rating schemes can be applied while charging the SM sendersbased on different service plans to which the users can subscribe. Field940 indicates the delivery status for an SM. The delivery status couldindicate information about an SM delivery such as ‘Delivered’,‘Pending’, or ‘Cannot deliver’. This information can be made availableto a sender of an SM at his/her mobile phone or computer.

With reference again to FIG. 7, routing data 710 contains informationabout the different SMSC gateways and SMSCs and their connectivity data.As mentioned earlier, different services connected with SMS can besupported by the SMS system described herein. Relevant data required tosupport such services is represented in this embodiment as servicedependent data 715. The contents of data 715 will be discussed in moredetail below with respect to the teleconference service

Teleconference

Another preferred embodiment of this invention includes a system andmethod for establishing, maintaining, and taking down a teleconferenceamong three or more individuals by using an SMS exchange. A schematicrepresentation of SMS-based teleconferencing system 1000 is shown inFIG. 10. In this system, each participant has a telephone (wireless orwireline) and the person initiating the teleconference has a wirelesscellular phone exemplified by phone 1015 capable of sending SMS messagesvia MSC 1020. Alternatively, a teleconference could also be initiatedfrom computer 1025 connected to Internet 1030. Registered members onlycan initiate a teleconference. It may be noted that while a conventionalwireline/landline telephone 1055 cannot be used to initiate ateleconference as it does not have SMS sending capability, it can stillbe included in a teleconference for voice based communication.

Teleconference site 1001 with teleconference server 1005 is linked toPSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and wireless cellular networks1035 via landline connections 1036 and Internet 1030 via link 1031.Teleconferencing is made possible through teleconferencing bridge 1010at teleconference site 1001. Teleconference server 1005 is interfaced toteleconferencing bridge 1010 for coordination of teleconferencingfunctions in the system. SMS messages indicating details of ateleconference are sent from SMSC 1045 to SMS exchange 1050, which isinterfaced to teleconference server 1005, via networks 1035 or Internet1030. It is assumed here that SMS exchange 1050 and teleconferenceserver 1005 are geographically local to each other and so thecommunication between them also takes place over a geographically localinterface 1002. However, SMS exchange 1050 and teleconference server1005 may be located in different geographical locations and in thatcase, the communication between them would be through Internet 1030 orother networks 1035. Teleconferencing bridge 1010 is implementedutilizing any of a plurality of well-known state-of-the-art telephonyswitches such as, for example, the SwitchMaster™ bridge, a voice anddata telephone switch manufactured by CadCom Telesystems, Inc. of Enid,Okla. It is to be noted that the system shown in FIG. 10 may includewell-known internal connectors, architectures, interfaces, ports, andcommunication devices (e.g., modems) to enable processing andcommunication. For the purpose of focusing on the inventive subjectmatter, a detailed description of the same is omitted.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a diagrammatic representation of anembodiment of teleconference server 1005 is shown. Server 1005 typicallyincludes memory 1105, and at least one processor 1100 in communicationtherewith. Processor 1100 is interfaced to SMS exchange 1050 viaconnection 1002 to receive SMS messages sent by an initiator of ateleconference. PSTN telephone lines 1036 are interfaced to processor1100 through a standard PSTN interface. Processor 1100 also controls theswitching and other functions of a teleconferencing bridge. It must benoted that the processor 1100 is interfaced to the SMS exchange 1050,PSTN 1035, and teleconferencing bridge 1010 through appropriatestate-of-the-art interfaces, which are not shown in FIG. 9 to againfocus on the inventive aspects of the subject matter.

Memory 1105 typically includes one or more machine-readable media. Suchmedia include, as is well known in the art, an appropriate combinationof magnetic, semiconductor and optical media. Memory is preferablycapable of supporting searching and storing of digital multimedia datasuch as text and audio. Memory (or portions thereof) may reside onsingle computer, or may be distributed in a known manner among multiplecomputers.

In the present embodiment, memory 1105 includes member database 1110,session database 1115, proceedings database 1120 and audio storage 1125.Memory also stores program 1130, which includes instructions forcontrolling processor 1110 in accordance with the present invention.

The rows and columns of the databases described herein represent recordsand fields thereof, respectively. In the described embodiments, thedatabases are used in a relational arrangement, as is known in the art,so that the databases relate to one another by way of fields that storecommon data. It is to be noted that while the following descriptionrefers to specific individual databases, formats, records, and fields,those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that variousmodifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an embodiment of member database 1110 isdepicted in detail. Database 1110 stores data relating to memberaccounts that are maintained for account holders. Each record (row) ofdatabase 1110 represents such an account. For exemplary purposes, tworecords R5 and R6 are shown.

Field 1210 stores a member identifier that is associated with and thatuniquely identifies a member account. In this embodiment, the memberidentifier is a four-digit member number. The number of digits in thisfield can be fixed depending on the maximum expected number of membersin any teleconferencing system. Other types of account identifiers withalphanumeric characters may be used if required. Field 1220 is used tostore the name of a member. In one embodiment, the name stored in field1220 is a digital audio file (or a pointer thereto) that contains apre-recorded audio sample of the account holder's name. The audiorecording of member names may be played back while interacting withusers with telephone or other voice playback instruments. Field 1230stores the phone number of the member. It is possible to store multiplepossible phone numbers here.

Referring next to FIG. 13, an embodiment of session database 1115 isdepicted in detail. Database 1115 stores data relating to one or moresessions. One record (row) of database 1115 is maintained for eachsession. For exemplary purposes, two records R7 and R8 are shown. Field1310 stores a session identifier that uniquely identifies a session. Forexemplary purposes, the session identifier is shown as including sixdigits. Field 1320 is used to store chairperson identifier thatidentifies a particular chairperson of a teleconference session. Field1330 stores a credit card number of the chairperson. In this embodiment,a chairperson uses the credit card number to pay the costs associatedwith a teleconference session. However, in practice, other well-knownpayment means may be adopted. Field 1340 stores the duration of ateleconference and field 1350 stores the identification of participantsof a teleconference in terms of their member numbers or telephonenumbers.

Referring next to FIG. 14, an embodiment of proceedings database 1120 isdepicted in detail. Database 1120 stores data that points to audiostream files. For exemplary purposes, two records R9 and R10 are shown.Field 1410 stores a session identifier that uniquely identifies asession. Field 1420 stores a pointer to the audio stream file that canbe used to play back audio proceedings of a teleconference. In thisembodiment, the identifier stored in field 1420 is a directory path inthe audio storage 1125 in memory 1105. The audio storage space 1125 is alarge block of free area where audio recordings of a teleconference canbe stored. Authorized members of a teleconference system can laterretrieve the stored audio recordings of the teleconference.

Teleconference Initiation and Dissolution

FIG. 15 shows flowchart 1500 of teleconference initiation anddissolution process, including the following processes:

Process 1505: A teleconference is initiated and scheduled by a member bysending an SMS message to SMS exchange 1050 giving the necessary detailsabout the teleconference. A typical SMS message has already been alludedto with respect to FIGS. 6C and 6D. Basically, the SMS message containsdate, time, and duration of a teleconference, contact details of theparticipants and information for charging the cost of theteleconference. The SMS message shown in FIG. 6D is just an exampleformat with abbreviated keywords that refer to a teleconferencingfunction. The abbreviations shown are: TC-TeleConference, DT-Date,T-Time, DR-Duration, CP-ChairPerson, M-Member, P-Phone number, andCC-Credit Card. However, while sending a teleconference initiationrequest from a computer, another more compatible user interface may beprovided. For example, web page with a suitable format such as template1600 shown in FIG. 16 may be used.

A member who conducts the teleconference is designated as thechairperson. A chairperson is accountable for call and other chargeswith reference to a teleconference conducted by him/her. Theteleconference charges typically include the telephone call charges ofall the participants, Internet connection charges, SMS processing feesand charges for usage of teleconference server and associated equipment.

Process 1510: SMS exchange 1050 processes the SMS message and checkswhether all the information necessary for scheduling a teleconference isprovided in the message, and whether sufficient resources in theteleconference bridge would be available for the duration of theteleconference. It also authenticates the chairperson's identity throughmember database 1110 and checks the validity of the credit cardinformation. Any missing information is communicated to theteleconference initiator via an SMS message or Internet message in caseof teleconference initiation through an Internet connected computer.After ascertaining that the teleconference can be scheduled, the SMSexchange sends a confirmation message to the teleconference initiator.

Process 1515: SMS processor 1100 then appends information such astelephone numbers of members identified by their member identifiers andcredit card number to the SMS message for enabling the scheduling of theteleconference by the teleconference server 1005.

Process 1520: SMS 1050 exchange sends the processed SMS message to theteleconference server 1005.

Process 1525: At the scheduled time of a teleconference, theteleconference server 1005 calls up the chairperson's phone (e.g., 1015)first and indicates the starts of the teleconference. The otherparticipants' phones (e.g., 1055, 1065, 1066) are then called upseparately. It may be noted that the calls from the teleconferenceserver reach the participants via PSTN and/or appropriate MSCs (e.g.,1020, 1070). Calls of the responding participants are then bridged atthe teleconferencing bridge. It is possible to repeat callingnon-responding participants at periodic intervals for the duration ofthe conference to connect them in the middle of a teleconference.

Process 1530: Teleconferencing among the called-in participantsprogresses with their calls linked through the teleconferencing bridge.During the course of a teleconference, it is possible for thechairperson or other authorized persons to send SMS messages to SMSexchange 1050 for performing specific value-addition services. Forexample, a chairperson may send an SMS message to call up one or morenew members for inclusion in the teleconference. On completion of theteleconference, the chairperson hangs up his/her connection signalingthe end of teleconference.

Process 1535: The teleconference server disconnects the telephoneconnections from the teleconferencing bridge 1010 and performs billingand settlement functions.

Other Embodiments

As mentioned earlier, timed tele-messaging is yet another example ofvalue-addition service that can be supported by SMS exchange 205 or1050. A user can send an SM to the SMS exchange instructing the systemto send a message incorporated in the SM at a specific time as a new SMto him/her or to another party. The SMS exchange then sends the messagecontained in the SM to the destination at the specified time.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devisemany other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.Thus, the previous description merely illustrates the principles of theinvention. It will thus be appreciated that those with ordinary skill inthe art will be able to devise various arrangements, which although notexplicitly described or shown herein, embody principles of the inventionand are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examplesand conditional language recited herein are principally intendedexpressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader inunderstanding the principles of the invention and the conceptscontributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to beconstrued as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein recitingprinciples, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents as well asequivalents developed in the future, that is, any elements developedthat perform the function, regardless of structure.

In addition, it will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in theart that the block diagrams herein represent conceptual views ofillustrative circuitry, equipment, and systems embodying the principlesof the invention.

1. A method, executing in cooperation with a conventional Short MessageService (SMS) system, for operating on a SMS message prepared by anoriginator of the SMS message, the SMS message being destined for areceiver, the method comprising configuring a SMS exchange to augmentthe SMS system, the SMS exchange system including an originator databasefor storing originator-specific data supplied by the originator prior tothe generation of the SMS message, embedding a value-added field in theSMS message by the originator, the value-added field being indicative ofa value-added service requested by the originator, redirecting the SMSmessage from the SMS system to the SMS exchange, instantiating thevalue-added service in the SMS exchange system from the combination ofthe value-added field in the SMS message and the originator-specificdata stored in the database, converting the SMS message to a modifiedSMS message in correspondence to the value-added service, the modifiedSMS message having a standard short message format amenable to standardprocessing in the receiver, and redirecting the modified SMS messagefrom the SMS exchange system to the SMS system for delivery to thereceiver.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the instantiatingis converting an alias name conveyed by the value-added field to anactual identifier as stored in the originator-specific database.
 3. Themethod as recited in claim 1, further executing in a conventional publicnetwork composed of, for example: the public switched telephone network;public wireless cellular network; public but proprietary networks, andwherein the instantiating is the sequence of scheduling, initiating andfinally terminating a teleconference call based upon informationsupplied by the value-added field.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1wherein the originator is identified by a member identifier, theembedding includes adding a member field in the SMS message to associatethe member identifier with information about the originator stored inthe database, and the instantiating includes substituting informationabout the originator into the modified SMS message based upon the memberfield and with reference to the originator database.
 5. A method,operating in conjunction with a conventional public network composed of,for example: the public switched telephone network; public wirelesscellular network; public but proprietary networks; and a conventionalShort Message Service Center, for instantiating a teleconference callamong participants based upon a Short Message Service (SMS) messagecommunicated over the conventional public network by one of theparticipants referred to as a call initiator, the method comprisingconfiguring a SMS exchange coupled to the conventional public network,configuring a teleconference server coupled to the SMS exchange and theconventional public network, configuring a teleconference bridge coupledto the teleconference server, storing participant-specific data suppliedby the participants in the SMS exchange prior to the generation of theSMS message, embedding a value-added field in the SMS message by theinitiator, the value-added field providing information to schedule theteleconference call, redirecting the SMS message from the conventionalpublic network to the SMS exchange, generating a processed SMS messagein the SMS exchange based upon the provided information and withreference to the participant-specific data to enable scheduling of theteleconference call among the participants at a scheduled time, sendingthe processed SMS message to the teleconference server, and initiating,at the scheduled time, telephone calls to the participants via theteleconference server over the conventional public network and bridgingthe placed calls via the teleconference bridge to connect theparticipants.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein thevalue-added field includes an identifier of the initiator, and whereinthe generating includes adding the initiator's name to the processed SMSmessage with reference to participant-specific data which associates theinitiator's name with the identifier.
 7. The method as recited in claim5 further including, after the initiating, terminating theteleconference call as signaled by the initiator.
 8. The method asrecited in claim 7 further including, after the terminating, billing theinitiator for the teleconference call based upon credit card informationconveyed in the value-added field as supplied by the initiator.
 9. Themethod as recited in claim 5 wherein the value-added fields includesparticipant identifiers, and the generating includes adding participanttelephone numbers based upon the participant identifiers with referenceto the participant-specific data.
 10. The method as recited in claim 5further including, after the generating, sending a confirmation messageto the initiator to confirm scheduling of the teleconference call. 11.The method as recited in claim 5 further including, after theinitiating, sending another SMS message by one of the participants to atleast one of the other participants during the teleconference call. 12.A method, operating in conjunction with a conventional public networkcomposed of, for example: the public switched telephone network; publicwireless cellular network; public but proprietary networks; aconventional Short Message Service Center; and the Internet, forinstantiating a teleconference call among participants based upon anInternet message communicated over the conventional public network by acall initiator, the method comprising configuring a Short MessageService (SMS) exchange coupled to the conventional public network andthe Internet, configuring a teleconference server coupled to the SMSexchange and the conventional public network and the Internet,configuring a teleconference bridge coupled to the teleconferenceserver, storing participant-specific data supplied by the participantsin the SMS exchange prior to the generation of the Internet message,embedding a value-added field in the Internet message by the initiator,the value-added field providing information to schedule theteleconference call, redirecting the Internet message from theconventional public network to the SMS exchange, generating a processedSMS message in the SMS exchange based upon the provided information andwith reference to the participant-specific data to enable scheduling ofthe teleconference call among the participants at a scheduled time,sending the processed SMS message to the teleconference server, andinitiating, at the scheduled time, telephone calls to the participantsvia the teleconference server over the conventional public network andbridging the placed calls via the teleconference bridge to connect theparticipants.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein thevalue-added field includes an identifier of the initiator, and whereinthe generating includes adding the initiator's name to the processed SMSmessage with reference to participant-specific data which associates theinitiator's name with the identifier.
 14. The method as recited in claim12 further including, after the initiating, terminating theteleconference call as signaled by the initiator.
 15. The method asrecited in claim 14 further including, after the terminating, billingthe initiator for the teleconference call based upon credit cardinformation conveyed in the value-added field as supplied by theinitiator.
 16. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the value-addedfields includes participant identifiers, and the generating includesadding participant telephone numbers based upon the participantidentifiers with reference to the participant-specific data.
 17. Themethod as recited in claim 12 further including, after the generating,sending a confirmation message to the initiator to confirm scheduling ofthe teleconference call.
 18. The method as recited in claim 12 furtherincluding, after the initiating, sending another SMS message by one ofthe participants to at least one of the other participants during theteleconference call.
 19. A system, arranged in cooperation with aconventional Short Message Service (SMS) system, for delivering a SMSmessage over the system to a receiver, the SMS message having anembedded value-added field as supplied by an originator of the SMSmessage and being indicative of a value-added service, the systemcomprising an originator database for storing originator-specific datasupplied by the originator prior to the generation of the SMS message,an input gateway, coupled to the SMS system, for receiving the SMSmessage from the SMS system, a processor, coupled to the input gatewayand the originator database, for instantiating the value-added servicefrom the combination of the value-added field in the SMS message and theoriginator-specific data stored in the database, and for converting theSMS message to a modified SMS message in correspondence to thevalue-added service, the modified SMS message having a standard shortmessage format amenable to standard processing in the receiver, and anoutput gateway, coupled to the processor, for redirecting the modifiedSMS message from the processor to the SMS system for delivery to thereceiver.
 20. A system, arranged to operate in conjunction with aconventional public network composed of, for example: the publicswitched telephone network; public wireless cellular network; public butproprietary networks; and a conventional Short Message Service Center,for instantiating a teleconference call among participants based upon aShort Message Service (SMS) message communicated over the conventionalpublic network by one of the participants referred to as a callinitiator, the SMS message including a value-added field supplied by theinitiator that provides information to schedule the teleconference call,the system comprising a SMS exchange coupled to the conventional publicnetwork, the SMS exchange including data storage means for storingparticipant-specific data supplied by the participants in the SMSexchange prior to the generation of the SMS message, a teleconferenceserver coupled to the SMS exchange and the conventional public network,the SMS exchange further including an input gateway for redirecting theSMS message from the conventional public network to the SMS exchange, aprocessor, coupled to the input gateway and the means for storing, forgenerating a processed SMS message in the SMS exchange based upon theprovided information and with reference to the participant-specific datato enable scheduling of the teleconference call among the participantsat a scheduled time, and an output gateway, coupled to the processor,for sending the processed SMS message to the teleconference server, anda teleconference bridge, coupled to the teleconference server, forinitiating at the scheduled time, telephone calls to the participantsvia the teleconference server over the conventional public network andbridging the placed calls via the teleconference bridge to connect theparticipants.